Automatic fluid dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus for measuring and dispensing preselected quantities of a fluid. Upon selection of the desired dispensing quantity the apparatus is activated for automatically discharging substantially the exact amount of the fluid, thus providing substantially equal results with each similar selected operation. The quantity of the fluid delivered is accurately counted whereby an inventory of the fluid may be maintained at all times.

United States Patent Paranto June 24, 1975 [54] AUTOMATIC FLUID DISPENSING 2.699.283 1/1955 Okulitch Et al 141/160 x 3.236270 2/1966 Stutz 1. 222/70 x APPARATUS 3.366276 l/l968 Fridley 222/51 [75] Inventor: Archie V. Paranto, Dallas, Tex.

I73] Assignee: Barco International Corporation of Texas, Dallas, Tex.

[22] Filed: Dec. 2, 1969 [2]] Appl. No: 881,52l

I52] US. Cl. 222/17; 222/5l; 222/70; 222/372; l4l/l60 (51 Int. Cl B67d 5/30 [58] Field of Search 222/30, l4, I7, 20, 66, 222/23, 70, 51, 372, 378, 382, 383, 183. 380, 504. 385, [29.4; l4l/l60, 36l, 360, 362

{56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2.64fnl89 7/1953 Wickcsberg 222/70 X Primary Examiner-Evan C. Blunk Assistant Examinerlames M. Slattery Attorney, Agent, or Firm-William S. Dorman [57] ABSTRACT An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus for measuring and dispensing preselected quantities of a fluid. Upon selection of the desired dispensing quantity the apparatus is activated for automatically discharging substantially the exact amount of the fluid, thus providing substantially equal results with each similar selected operation. The quantity of the fluid delivered is accurately counted whereby an inventory of the fluid may be maintained at all times.

6 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUN24 ms 3.891.122

sum 1 886 0; ;1 94 OFF ON 1 Q BARCO mc.

ARCHIE V. PARANTO IN VE N TOR.

34 E5- 2 ATTORNEY PATENTEDJUN24 ms 3,891 122 SHEET 2 ARCHIE V. PARA NTO INVENTOR ATTORNEY AUTOMATIC FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS This invention relates to improvements in a fluid dis pensing apparatus and more particularly. but not by way of limitation to an automatic dispensing and measuring apparatus for fluids wherein a preselected quantity of the fluid is automatically dispensed.

Franchise food establishments are widespread today. and it is most desirable to maintain a constant quality for the food stuffs available at similar establishments wherever they may be located. Accordingly. each establishment is normally provided with particularly designed or selected equipment in order to establish a common result in each eating place. By way of example. there are litany pizza establishments throughout the country. and each chain ofoperations endeavors to establish a common quality for pizzas available at each of the establishments bearing the name of the chain. Whereas most of the ingredients and the particular cooking and serving procedures may be accurately co ordinated and controlled. the application of the pizza sauce on the various size pizzas varies considerably since this is usually a hand dip operation and depends upon the manual handling thereof by the cook or operator. In order to establish a more uniform result. it is important to assure a a substantially exact quanity of the pizza sauce for each size pizza. and this is very difficult to achieve with the common hand dip method.

The present invention contemplates a novel automatic dispensing apparatus particularly designed and constructed for delivering a preselected quantity of pizza sauce in accordance with the particular size pizza requiring the sauce. The operation or dispensing ofthe sauce is repeated time after time with substantially no variation froln the desired preselected quantity. thus assuring a constant and uniform application of sauce for pizzas in each of the food establishments requiring the service. The novel device comprises a sauce retaining chamber having an agitator therein for assuring a substantially homogeneous mixture for the sauce throughout the operation of the device. The sauce is delivered to the dispensing spout or nozzle by a pumping apparatus which is activated by a plurality of switches through a timing device. Each switch activates the pump through a different time period in accordance with the particular quantity of sauce to be delivered. The timing of the pump operation results in the dispensing or delivering of a preselected quantity of the sauce which is established or determined in accordance with the size ofthe pizza upon which the sauce is to be deposited. In addition. a float is provided in the sauce chamber for limiting use of the pump when the supply of sauce drops below a predetermined level. of course. the sauce supply may be replenished for restoring the normal operating conditions for the apparatus. In addition. a control device generally similar to that disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 7S-Hl7tl. filed Dec. lo. Wok. and now LES. Pat. No. 3.608.778 entitled Automatic l luid Dispensing Apparatus and of which I am a eo-invcnlor. is utilized in conjunction with the novel dispensing apparatus for facilitating the control thereof and for maintaining an accurate count of the quantity of sauce delivered by the apparatus.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel apparatu particularly designed and constructed for automatically dispensing a preselected quantity of fluid with repeated accuracy.

bl l

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus for automatically dispensing piz/a sauce in preselected quantities in a manner providing uniformity of quality in the making of pizzas.

Another object ofthis invention is to prov ide a novel fluid dispensing device for delivering pizza sauce in variable preselected quantities in accordance with the pizza size with repeated uniform delivery for each selected quantity.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel automatic fluid dispensing device wherein an accurate measurement of the quantity of fluid dispensed is maintained for facilitating inventory recording of the fluid.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. I is an elcvational view of a power supply unit utilized in the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view partly in elevation of a dispensing apparatus embodying the invention with portions depicted in dotted lines for purposes of illustration.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail. reference character I0 generally indicates a dispensing apparatus com prising housing I2 constructed of any suitable material. and preferably of a material approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration for use in connection with foodstuffs. A removable cover I4 is provided for one end of the housing 12 for facilitating access to the interior thereof. and a support plate I6 may be remov ably secured within the housing 12 in any suitable manner (not shown) for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

The housing I2 is preferably disposed or mounted on a suitable support member I8 having an aperture 20 therein in substantial alignment with the housing [2. The support 18 may be a counter top. table. shelf. or the like. or any other type of support. as desired. A vessel or fluid container 22 is disposed below the housing I2 and aperture 20 and may be supported on a surface 24 in any well known manner. The surface 24 may be a shelf or the like disposed beneath the support member 20. For example. the support 20 may be a counter top in an eating establishment and the surface 24 may be a shelf below the counter top and accessible from the rear ofthe counter. as is well known in this type of establishment. A supply of pizza sauce 26 is contained within the vessel 22 for delivery or dispensing by the apparatus It] in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth. The vessel 22 is separate and independent from the apparatus It). and it is to be understood that the apparatus It) may be utilized with substantially any supply of sauce or fluid.

A centrally disposed shaft 28 extends through the plate I6 and is suitably journalled therein for rotation by a suitable motor 30 which is mounted yvithin the housing 12 and is preferably mounted on the plate I6 in any well known manner The shaft 28 extends into the vessel 22 and terminates in the proximity in the bottom thereof as particularly shown in FIG. 2. A support bracket 32 may be secured to the housing 12 in any suitable manner and e\tends downwardly therefrom into the vessel 22. The bracket 32 is provided with an aperture lnot shown) for rccci ing the shaft 28 therethrough and facilitates stablization of the shaft 28 du|= ing rotation thereof. A plurality of radially extending blades 34 are secured to the outer end of the shaft 28 in any well known or suitable manner [not shown) for rotating simultaneously with the shaft 28 to stir the sauce 26 for a purpose and in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth.

A pump 36 is disposed within the vessel 22 and is supported from the housing l2 by a tube or deli\ery pipe 38. The pump 36 may be of any suitable type and the impeller thereof t not shown) is preferably provided with two blades whereby the flow of fluid through the pump will be at a rate for providing an optimum delivcry of the sauce 26 as will be hereinafter set forthv A suitable motor 40 is mounted within the housing 12 in any well known manner and preferably on the plate 16 and is operably connected with the tube 38 for operation of the pump 36 to dcli\ er fluid from the pump 36 to a delivery tube 42 as is well known. The tube 42 is preferably constructed from quarter inch pipe. but not limited thereto. it has been found that this particular size for the delivery tube 42 in combination with the output of a two-blade pump 36 delivers approximately 30 gallons ofsauce 26 per minute or one and one quarter ounce ofthe sauce 26 per second. This delivery rate has proven beneficial and advantageous for the dispensing of the pizza sauce 26 as will be hereinafter set forth.

A float member 44 is suspended from the housing [2 within and disposed within the vessel 22. The float 44 may be of any suitable type and as shown herein is reciprocally secured on a guide shaft 46 in any well known manner (not shown The shaft 46 is preferably secured to the plate 16 at the proximity of a micro switch 48 or the like whereby the float 44 activates the microswitch 48 during reciprocation of the float 44 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

The delivery tube 42 is preferably angular or substantially U-shaped in configuration as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2 whereby one portion 50 thereof extends through an aperture (not shown) in the housing 12 and outwardly therefrom. The outer end 52 of the tube 42 extends downwardly and is the dispensing end thereof for delivering the pizza sauce 26 or other fluid during operation of the apparatus 10. A protective cover 54 is secured to the outer periphery of the housing 12 for substantially encasing the portions 50 and S2 of the dispensing tube 42. A plurality of micro'switches. for example switches 56. 58. and shown in dotted lines in FIG. I. are mounted by a suitable support structure 62 which in turn is secured to the outer periphery of the housing 12 in the proximity of the covering 54. The switches 56. S8. and 60 are operably connected with the pump 36 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth and are activated by trigger arms 6-1. 66. and 68 respectively which depend from the switches as clearly shown in H0. 2. The switches 56. 58. and 60 and respective trigger arms 64. 66. and 68 are preferably arranged or disposed in "stair-step" relationship and in substantial planar alignment with the dispensing member 52. The spacing between the trigger arms 64. 66. and 68 are particularly selected for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

Referring now to FIG. 1. a control device generally indicated at 70 is provided for the apparatus 10. and is substantially identical with the typc of control unit disbi l closed in the allircmentioncd co-pending application. The control de iec 70 may be remotely disposed with respect to the dispensing apparatus 10. or may be iiistalled in the proximity thereof. as desired. The unit 70 depicted herein is of a modular type construction comprising a housing 72 having an on-off or key switch 74 suitably mounted thereon and provided with means for rccci ing a plurality of cells or modules 76. 78. and 80. Whereas the particular embodiment shown in FIG. I includes three modules. it will be apparent that sub stantially any number of modules as desired may be provided. preferably with one module for each different quantity of fluid to be deli cred from the apparatus 10. Each module is electrically connected with a respective fluid dispensing micro-switch as will be hereinafter set forth.

Each of the modules 76. 78. and is substantially identical and comprises and is constructed in a manner as set forth in the aforementioned co-pending application for ready insertion within the housing 72. The electrical components of each module 76. 68 and 80 are substantially identical. The ofl on switch 74 is preferably of the key operated type and is suitably electrically connected with each module 76. 78 and 80 to supply electrical current thereto. Of course. the off-on switch 74 is suitably connected with a source ofelectrical current. such as the usual house power. as is well known. and suitable electrical connections tnot shown) are preferably interposed between the switch 74 and the modules 76. 78. and 80 for coverting the normal AC house power to DC power. Each module 76. 78. and 80 is provided with an on-off switch 82. 84. and 86. respectively. whereby selective operation of each modulcs may be provided. and a suitable pilot light 88. 90. and 92 is provided for each module 76. 78. and 81). respectively. for indicating the operation status thereof. In addition. each module 76. 78 and 80 is provided with a suitable adjustable time-counter device 94. 96. and 98. respectively. which is preferably of the type commonly known as a triac. Each module is electrically connected with one fluid dispensing micro-switch. as for example. the module 76 is electrically connected with the switch 56: the module 78 is electrically connected with the switch 58'. and the module 80 is electrically connected with the switch 60. In addition. the tinter-counter ofeaeh module is set at a predetermined operation sequence for timing the operation of the pump 36 in accordance with the desired quantity or volume of fluid to be delivered through the nozzle or dispensing end 52. as will be hereinafter set forth.

Referring now to H0. 3. an electrical schematic is depicted therein particularly illustrating the electrical circuit for a control unit 72 and dispensing apparatus 10 as shown herein. As hereinbefore set forth. the switches 56. 58. and 80 are electrically connected with the modules 76. 78 and 80 respectively. Each module 76. 78 and 80 includes a hot line H. a triac line T. and a neutral line N. with each of hot lines H being connected together. each of the lines T being connected together. and each of the lines N being connected to gether. A suitable relay coil I00 is electrically connected to the lines H and T for activation thereby. The relay coil I00 is in suitable operation connection with a switching de ice I02 whereby activation and deactivation of the coil causes alternate opening and closing of the switching de\ ice 102. The switching dc- \ice is electrically connected with the pump motor 40 for activation thereof.

The rotor motor is electrically connected to a source of electrical current. such as house power. through the usual plug I04. as is well known. In addition. a plurality ofsuitable outlets I06 and I08 may be provided within the housing 12 for convenience. such as for example permitting connecting of a light. or the like. for facilitating viewing the interior of the housing. A blinker lamp I10 is electrically connected with the switch 48 and is mounted in the housing or on the housing l2 in such a manner as to attract attention when energized for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

In use. the apparatus 10 may be used for dispensing a substantially exact and repeating uniform quantity of the sauce 26 in accordance with the optimum quantity or volume thereof as related to the size of the pizza to be baked. The particular embodiment of the apparatus l0 depicted herein is designed and constructed for dispensing pizza sauce for pizzas of three varying sizes. The trigger arm 66 is spaced from the nozzle or dispensing end 52 a distance substantially equal to the radius of the pizza pan ll2 normally utilized in the preparing and baking of a medium size pizza. The trigger arm 64 is similarly spaced from the nozzle 52 a distance substantially equal to the radius of the pizza pan (not shown] normally used for the preparation and baking of the smallest size pizza. The trigger arm 68 is spaced from the nozzle 52 a distance substantially equal to the radius of the pizza pan (not shownl normally used for the preparation and baking of the largest size pizza.

The timer mechanism of the module 76 connected with the switch 56 is adjusted for operating the motor and pump 36 for a sufficient time period to deliver substantially exactly the quantity of sauce 26 consid ered to be the optimum for the small size pizza. Similarly. the timer mechanism ofthe module 78 connected with the switch S8 is adjusted for operating the motor 40 and the pump 36 for a sufficient time period to deliver substantially exactly the quantity of sauce 26 considered to be the optimum for the medium size pizza; and the timer mechanism of the module 80 connected with the switch 60 is adjusted for operating the motor 40 and the pump 36 for a sufficient time period to deliver substantially exactly the quantity of sauce 26 considered to he the optimum for the largest size pizza.

In order to operate the apparatus 10. the pizza pan 112 having the unhaked pizza dough (not shown) thereon is manually placed beneath the nozzle 52 in such a manner that the nozzle is substantially centrally disposed with respect thereto. and sufficiently below the nozzle 52 as to be in alignment with the trigger arm 66. as shown in FIG. 2. The outer periphery of the pan 112 is thus brought into engagement with the trigger arm ()6 for mov ing the arm ()6 in a direction for acti at ing the associated micro-switch 58. This causes the module 78 to energize the relay coil I00 through the preselected time intcr al in accordance with the timer mechanism of the module 78. The energization of the relay coil I00 causes the motor 40 to activate the pump 36 through the presented time interval for delivery of the predetermined quantity of sauce 26 considered to be optimum for the particularly pizza pan I12. When the time interval has lapsed. the motor 40 and pump 36 are deacti ated and the flow of the pizza sauce is stopped. 'l'hus. not only is the proper quantity of sauce 26 delivered to the pan I I2. but also the sauce is deposited substantially in the center of the pan ll2 for facilitating the even distribution of the sauce on the pizza dough. Of course. the operation is repeated with each pizza pan. with the trigger arm for the related pan size being similarly engaged for actuation of the pump 36 to dispense the sauce.

The blades 34 are normally rotated continuously during use of the apparatus l0. regardless of whether or not the pump 36 is operating. This assures that the mixture or sauce within the vessel 22 is maintained sub stantially homogeneous at all times to assure the deli cry of a high quality sauce to the pizza pans. Of course. in the event it is necessary to stop the rotation of the blades 34, such as when cleaning the apparatus 10. or replenishing the supply of sauce 26, a switch 112. which is preferably interposed between the motor 30 and the plug 104. may be utilized in the normal manner for stopping the operation of the motor 30.

When the supply of sauce 26 within the vessel 22 drops below a predetermined level or quantity. the float member 44 activates the switch 48, as hereinhefore set forth. thus causing the hlinker light III) to o erate. The blinker light 110 is preferably disposed on the housing I2 in a position wherein the attention of an attendent will be attracted by the blinking light. The operation of the apparatus 10 may then be stopped in order to permit removal ofthe housing 12 and elements secured thereto from the position on the support I8. The supply of sauce 26 in the vessel 22 may then he replenished. or if desired the entire vessel 22 may be removed and a second vessel having a supply of the sauce 26 therein may be substituted therefor.

The cover member I4 shown herein is preferably constructed from a suitable transparent material to permit or facilitate a visual inspection of the interior portions of the housing I2.

In addition. the counter mechanism of each module counts or registers each operation of the pump 36 thereby in order that a calculation of the overall quantity of sauce delivered by each module may be achieved. Thus. an accurate account may be main tained ofthe amount or quantity of sauce dispensed for facilitating accounting and inventory recording.

It is usually necessary to clean out the fluid passageway 42 at intervals for maintaining a proper operation of the apparatus 10. In order to open the flow passage way for a continual flow of fluid therethrough without a counting of the fluid by the counting apparatus. the switch 74 may be closed for causing a substantially constant operation of the motor 40 and pump 36. During this time. the vessel 22 may either be replaced with a container of cleansing lluid. such as water. or the like. or tilled with a cleaning fluid in lieu of the sauce 26. The cleaning fluid is llushed through the lines by the continual operation ofthe pump. The pump 36 may be continually operated in this manner until the apparatus 10 has been cleansed as desired. The switch 74 may then be opened for restoring the normal operation of the apparatus [0 as hereinbefore set forth.

It is to he noted that a switch H4 is provided in the line H between the modules and the relay coil 100. This switch is normally closed. but may he opened to cancel any accidental energizing of the switches 56. 58 or 60. For example. in the event the switch has been engaged by the smallest size pizza pan. the switch I14 may be opened for preventing the deli\ery of the quantity of sauce normally required for the large size pizza.

Of course. any other accidental engagement of the switches 56. 58 or 60 may be cancelled by opening the switch H4. This substantially precludes accidental dc liver of any sauce. and also precludes a counting of unwanted or accidentally ordered sauce by errone ous activation of the switches 56. 58 or (all. Opening of the switch 114 will also prevent accidental delivery of cally delivering or dispensing preselected t utntities of a sauce in accordance with a predetermined optimum quantity thereof for the particular use to which the sauce is to be put. For example. in the dispensing of pizza sauce. the pizza pan having the unbalv'ed pizza dough disposed therein may be disposed beneath the dispensing nozzle in such a manner as to activate the switch corresponding to the particular size pizza pan. The predetermined quantity of pizza sauce will be automatically delivered into the pizza pan with both speed and accuracy of quantity. thus permitting a uniform quality for the finished pizzas in a plurality of food preparing establishments. The novel apparatus is simple and efficient in operation and economical and durable in construction.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto. it should be understood that other and further modifications. apart from those shown or suggested herein. may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention What is claimed is:

I. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a housing disposed in substantial alignment with a stationary fluid reservoir. a rotatable shaft carried by the housing and extending into the fluid reservoir. power means provided in the housing and operably connected with the shaft for continuous rotation thereof during operation of the apparatus. an impeller prmided on the outer end of the rotatable shaft and disposed in the proximity of the bottom of the fluid reservoir for agitating the fluid therein to maintain a substantially homogeneous solution. pump means disposed within the fluid reservoir and open to the fluid therein. power means provided in the housing and operably connected with the pump for selective intermittent ac tuation thereof. discharge conduit means connected with the pump for delivery of the fluid from the reservoir for dispensing thereof. control means operably connected ith 'lltc pump pouer means for intermittent operation thereof in predetermined time cycles for the dispensing of predetermined quantities of the fluid from the discharge conduit means. selective switching means carried by the housing and operably connected with the control means for selectively timed operation thereof hereby a variable preselected quantity of fluid is automatically dispensed through the discharge conduit in accordance with the desired quantity of fluid rc- L|tlllctl,

2. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus set forth in claim I and including float means disposed within the fluid. indicating means operably connected with the float means and activated by the float means to indicate a drop of the quantity of the fluid below a predetermined quantity 3. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim I wherein the control means includes timing means for selective operation of the dispensing means to deliver said predetermined quantities of the fluid.

4. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim I wherein the control means includes counting means for facilitating the determination of the overall quantity of fluid dispensed by the apparatus.

5. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control means includes timing means for selective operation of the dispensing means to deli\ er said predetermined quantities of the fluid. and counting means for facilitating the determination of the o\erall quantity of fluid dispensed by the apparatus.

(1. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus comprising dispensing nozzle means. pump means providing communication between a fluid reservoir and the dispensing nozzle means. power means operably connected with the pump means for intermittent actuation thereof. control means operably connected with the power means for energization thereof. selective switch means operably connected with the control means for variable actuation thereof to provide said intermittent actuation. said switch means being connected with said control means for actuation thereof for operation of the pump in preselected time cycles for delivering variable predetermined quantities of the fluid through the dispensing nozzle means. and agitator means operable for stirring the fluid during operation of the apparatus. 

1. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus comprising a housing disposed in substantial alignment with a stationary fluid reservoir, a rotatable shaft carried by the housing and extending into the fluid reservoir, power means provided in the housing aNd operably connected with the shaft for continuous rotation thereof during operation of the apparatus, an impeller provided on the outer end of the rotatable shaft and disposed in the proximity of the bottom of the fluid reservoir for agitating the fluid therein to maintain a substantially homogeneous solution, pump means disposed within the fluid reservoir and open to the fluid therein, power means provided in the housing and operably connected with the pump for selective intermittent actuation thereof, discharge conduit means connected with the pump for delivery of the fluid from the reservoir for dispensing thereof, control means operably connected with the pump power means for intermittent operation thereof in predetermined time cycles for the dispensing of predetermined quantities of the fluid from the discharge conduit means, selective switching means carried by the housing and operably connected with the control means for selectively timed operation thereof whereby a variable preselected quantity of fluid is automatically dispensed through the discharge conduit in accordance with the desired quantity of fluid required.
 2. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus set forth in claim 1 and including float means disposed within the fluid, indicating means operably connected with the float means and activated by the float means to indicate a drop of the quantity of the fluid below a predetermined quantity.
 3. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control means includes timing means for selective operation of the dispensing means to deliver said predetermined quantities of the fluid.
 4. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control means includes counting means for facilitating the determination of the overall quantity of fluid dispensed by the apparatus.
 5. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control means includes timing means for selective operation of the dispensing means to deliver said predetermined quantities of the fluid, and counting means for facilitating the determination of the overall quantity of fluid dispensed by the apparatus.
 6. An automatic fluid dispensing apparatus comprising dispensing nozzle means, pump means providing communication between a fluid reservoir and the dispensing nozzle means, power means operably connected with the pump means for intermittent actuation thereof, control means operably connected with the power means for energization thereof, selective switch means operably connected with the control means for variable actuation thereof to provide said intermittent actuation, said switch means being connected with said control means for actuation thereof for operation of the pump in preselected time cycles for delivering variable predetermined quantities of the fluid through the dispensing nozzle means, and agitator means operable for stirring the fluid during operation of the apparatus. 